Concord Museum is pleased to announce that it will reopen in accordance with public health recommendations and guidance on Thursday, August 6, 2020. This announcement follows Governor Charlie Baker’s declaration that Massachusetts has embarked on Phase 3 of the reopening.
Starting on August 6th, the Museum will reopen with a Thursday through Sunday schedule from 10 am to 4 pm. The Museum will operate with new safety measures, including admission by advanced online ticketing only, social distancing throughout the galleries, and enhanced sanitizing and cleaning protocols.
Just days before the pandemic hit, the Museum opened our new exhibit on Paul Revere and his famous “Midnight Ride,” said Tom Putnam, Edward W. Kane Executive Director. “We are thrilled to be re-opening our doors so that visitors and families can experience that show and four of our recently renovated permanent galleries that help tell the story of Concord’s iconic history.”
The Museum is also pleased to announce the extension of the national exhibition Beyond Midnight: Paul Revere and His Ride through October 12, 2020. Beyond Midnight explores Paul Revere’s role as a political activist and Revolutionary War legend, shedding light on both the man and the myth. The exhibition, curated by the American Antiquarian Society (AAS), features objects connected to the events of 1775 including – and especially – the Concord Museum’s famed lantern ordered hung as a signal by Revere himself. Additional highlights include the 1922 painting Paul Revere, by the renowned American artist N.C. Wyeth; a printer’s manuscript of Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride”; the 1775 deposition of Paul Revere; a manuscript transcription of Emerson’s “Concord Hymn”; and an impressive tea service made by Paul Revere.
The Museum’s new permanent galleries, At the Center of Revolution and People of Musketaquid, as well as temporary galleries featuring Thoreau’s Walden desk and objects from the Museum’s decorative arts collection, are also open for viewing.
The health and safety of Concord Museum’s staff and visitors is the highest priority.
Both visitors and staff will be required to wear face masks and adhere to six- foot social distancing guidelines. Timed tickets will ensure that occupancy levels remain low allowing museum goers to enjoy quiet galleries. Enhanced sanitation measures and environmental health protocols across the Museum will make visitors feel confident and safe during their visit. Guests will arrive and follow a guided path throughout the galleries to avoid visitors crossing paths. Museum staff will be on hand for questions. Further details about purchasing tickets, online ticketing procedures, and safety protocols may be found at www.concordmuseum.org.
The Concord Museum will continue to offer a variety of online and virtual experiences including forums, programs, and History at Home – a free weekly e-newsletter offering videos, family activities, and collection highlights.
The Museum looks forward to this new phase of sharing our exhibitions and collections with the public. Please come for a visit!
